CVE-2012-6437

Summary

The device does not properly authenticate users and the potential exists for a remote user to upload a new firmware image to the Ethernet card, whether it is a corrupt or legitimate firmware image. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could cause loss of availability, integrity, and confidentiality and a disruption in communications with other connected devices.

Rockwell Automation EtherNet/IP products; 1756-ENBT, 1756-EWEB, 1768-ENBT, and 1768-EWEB communication modules; CompactLogix L32E and L35E controllers; 1788-ENBT FLEXLogix adapter; 1794-AENTR FLEX I/O EtherNet/IP adapter; ControlLogix 18 and earlier; CompactLogix 18 and earlier; GuardLogix 18 and earlier; SoftLogix 18 and earlier; CompactLogix controllers 19 and earlier; SoftLogix controllers 19 and earlier; ControlLogix controllers 20 and earlier; GuardLogix controllers 20 and earlier; and MicroLogix 1100 and 1400

Affected Software

VendorProductVersion RangeStatus
Rockwell Automation1756-ENBT, 1756-EWEB, 1768-ENBT, 1768-EWEB communication modulesAllaffected
Rockwell AutomationCompactLogix L32E and L35E controllersAllaffected
Rockwell Automation1788-ENBT FLEXLogix adapterAllaffected
Rockwell Automation1794-AENTR FLEX I/O EtherNet/IP adapterAllaffected
Rockwell AutomationControlLogix, CompactLogix, GuardLogix, and SoftLogix0 <= 18affected
Rockwell AutomationCompactLogix and SoftLogix controllers0 <= 19affected
Rockwell AutomationControlLogix and GuardLogix controllers0 <= 20affected
Rockwell AutomationMicroLogix1100affected
Rockwell AutomationMicroLogix1400affected

Weaknesses

  • CWE-287: CWE-287

Workarounds

Rockwell recommends updating to the newest firmware patches to fix the vulnerabilities, but if not able to do so right away, then Rockwell advises immediately employing the following mitigations for each of the affected products.

To mitigate the vulnerability with the Web server password authentication mechanism:

  • Upgrade the MicroLogix 1400 firmware to FRN 12 or higher.

  • Because of limitations in the MicroLogix 1100 platform, none of the firmware updates will be able to fix this issue, so users should use the following techniques to help reduce the likelihood of compromise.

  • Where possible, disable the Web server and change all default Administrator and Guest passwords.

  • If Web server functionality is needed, then Rockwell recommends upgrading the product’s firmware to the most current version to have the newest enhanced protections available such as: * When a controller receives two consecutive invalid authentication requests from an HTTP client, the controller resets the Authentication Counter after 60 minutes.

  • When a controller receives 10 invalid authentication requests from any HTTP client, it will not accept any valid or invalid authentication packets until a 24-hour HTTP Server Lock Timer timeout.

  • If Web server functionality is needed, Rockwell also recommends configuring user accounts to have READ only access to the product so those accounts cannot be used to make configuration change In addition to the above, Rockwell recommends concerned customers remain vigilant and continue to follow security strategies that help reduce risk and enhance overall control system security. Where possible, they suggest you apply multiple recommendations and complement this list with your own best-practices:

  • Employ layered security and defense-in-depth methods in system design to restrict and control access to individual products and control networks. Refer to http://www.ab.com/networks/architectures.html for comprehensive information about implementing validated architectures designed to deliver these measures.

  • Restrict physical and electronic access to automation products, networks, and systems to only those individuals authorized to be in contact with control system equipment.

  • Employ firewalls with ingress/egress filtering, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and validate all configurations. Evaluate firewall configurations to ensure other appropriate inbound and outbound traffic is blocked.

  • Use up-to-date end-point protection software (e.g., antivirus/antimalware software) on all PC-based assets.

  • Make sure that software and control system device firmware is patched to current releases.

  • Periodically change passwords in control system components and infrastructure devices.

  • Where applicable, set the controller key-switch/mode-switch to RUN mode.

For more information on security with Rockwell Automation products, please refer to Rockwell’s Security Advisory Index http://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/54102 .

ADP Enrichment

CVE Program Container

Additional References

CISA ADP Vulnrichment

  • SSVC:
  • Exploitation: none
    • Automatable: yes
    • Technical Impact: total

References